Wildlife & Ecosystems

Animals of Malawi in the Majete Wildlife Reserve

Dr. Leslie studies a broad range of species with a common goal to develop management plans for governments, farmers, and wildlife organizations. Dr. Leslie has worked with many Earthwatch volunteers in South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia. She is also a well-known TV personality, having worked with National Geographic television, the BBC, and several other documentary producers.

What draws you to the wildlife of Malawi?

Says Dr. Leslie: “The Majete Reserve is absolutely beautiful; I wish I were there now. It’s on the small side in African terms, although it’s 70,000 acres, and it’s made up of a huge variety of vegetation. It’s also an island of biodiversity surrounded by about 140,000 people in various communities. And outside the electric fence there’s very little left of the original landscape. Putting these animals back into an area where they once occurred should restore an ecosystem balance that they actually once did experience, so from that perspective it’s really vital that we should conduct this research.”

A great moment in the field:

Dr. Leslie, who has appeared on National Geographic television and the BBC, is well known for her work with larger species such as crocodiles and rhinos. It’s often exciting, as she recalls: “I was charged last month by an elephant; that’s quite normal. It was an almost-mature male, and he was missing a bit of his trunk, so I think he’s got a bit of an inferiority complex. I’ve been chased by pretty much everything, from black mambas to crocs!”

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Bioscience and Biotechnology, Drexel University (U.S.)

M.Sc. in Bioscience and Biotechnology, Drexel University (U.S.)

B.S. in Zoology and Botany, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)

PAST FIELDWORK
LOCATIONS

Botswana

South Africa

Zambia

Dr. Alison Leslie

Earthwatch scientist Dr. Leslie works with volunteers to help restore wildlife in central Africa. Volunteer to take part in this important project based in the magnificent Majete Reserve in Malawi.

Animals of Malawi

Majete, once nearly devoid of animal life, is now home to many species such as elephant, lion and rhino.